Healthwatch BANES

03/06/2026

It's and we'd like to say a huge thank you to all of our volunteers!

You've helped us listen to people's health and social care experiences, so that we can make sure NHS and social care leaders hear our voices.

You've supported us with engagement, research, admin tasks, data entry - and so much more! We couldn't do what we do without you.

Want to get involved? Find out more about volunteering with us: https://healthwatchbathnes.co.uk/volunteer

05/05/2026

Gynae cancer charity The Eve Appeal have raised concerns that ChatGPT missed ovarian and vulval cancer when asked about 'red-flag' symptoms.

With more people turning to AI platforms like ChatGPT for health information, they are sharing tips to help find trusted information online: https://bit.ly/4uiAOWY

24/04/2026

Complete our short survey and be in with a chance of winning a £100 high street shopping voucher!

The NHS in our area is considering new ways of using patient data to improve care and plan services. We want to know your views on their plans: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/patientdata

This is your opportunity to have your say!

20/04/2026

Join us at The Chocolate Quarter Retirement Village in Keynsham to find out about local services offering support for people affected by dementia.

📅 Wednesday 20th May
🕙 10am - 3pm
📍 Trajectus Way, Keynsham BS31 2GJ

Everyone welcome!

09/04/2026

Did you know that health and care organisations may use an AI tool called 'ambient scribes' to capture speech or conversations during appointments?

The NHS has put together guidance for patients and service users around:
✔️ Being informed about ambient scribes
❌ Objecting to ambient scribes
✔️️ Using safe products
✔️ Making sure notes and summaries are accurate

https://healthwatchbathnes.co.uk/advice-and-information/2026-04-08/using-ai-enabled-ambient-scribing-products-health-and-care

Guidance is also available for healthcare workers.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a technology, such as a computer program or a piece of software, that can learn and perform tasks that would normally need a human.

07/04/2026

Have your say on the future of dementia support in Bath & North East Somerset. Share your experiences and insights in an online survey and help shape the council's new Dementia Strategy. 👉 https://newsroom.bathnes.gov.uk/news/council-invites-residents-help-shape-dementia-support-bath-and-north-east-somerset

02/04/2026

Resident doctors are taking national strike action from Tuesday 7th April until Monday 13 April. Find out more: https://healthwatchbathnes.co.uk/news/2026-04-02/nhs-industrial-action-7th-april-13th-april-2026

If you have an appointment during this time, please attend your appointment as normal unless you have been contacted.

Resident doctors (previously called junior doctors) are striking between 7am on Tuesday 7th April until 7am on Monday 13th April.

01/04/2026

🗣 We've been at RUH Bath asking people about their experiences of communication in hospitals.

🏥 Do you or a loved one have any language or communication needs? Have those needs been met in a hospital setting? Complete our survey: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/AT15WS/

Some examples of language and/or communication needs are:
- speech difficulties
- learning difficulties or disabilities
- autism
- hearing loss
- dementia
- speaking a language other than English

30/03/2026

26/03/2026

Spent time in hospital recently? Did you have any communication issues? Complete our survey: https://healthwatchbathnes.co.uk/news/2025-12-18/share-your-experiences-communication-hospitals

Your feedback will help us identify what’s working well, find areas for improvement, and make recommendations to hospitals in the Bath and North East Somerset area.

Have you spent time in hospital recently? Do you use a language other than English or have a condition that makes communication harder? We want to hear from you.